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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The September uprising was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Consultations Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of leading political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.